So I recently purchased a New 3DS XL from a fellow GAFer (thanks antisoulless) and started my first playthrough of Mario 3D Land. I also own a Wii U and have completed both the normal and post-game content in Mario 3D World. Now, back when 3D World came out was one of those people who felt disappointed with it in comparison to the Galaxy series on the Wii. I thought that the pulled-back camera and wide open stages that were made to accommodate up to four players at a time made single-player 3D World feel like a cakewalk. Sure, the postgame levels were challenging, but on the whole the game just felt underwhelming to me from a design/engagement standpoint. The world that it took place in (Sprixie Kingdom) just felt like a lifeless copy of the Mushroom Kingdom to me too. It was definitely a lot of fun in multiplayer, though.
So all of that out of the way, I have to say that I'm really impressed with 3D Land thus far. I'm only in World 5 at the moment, but playing this game using the New 3DS's head-tracking 3D has been a real treat. While the levels are smaller in scope than those in 3D World, I think that actually works to this game's advantage when directly comparing the two. Since it was only designed for one player, the obstacles courses put in front of Mario hit closer to that sweet spot of 2D Mario tightness and Mario Galaxy-esque spectacle. While 3D World is certainly more visually impressive on the Wii U hardware, there's something about the presentation of 3D Land that reminds me more of Galaxy for some reason. I can't put my finger on it. I will say, though, that both games are pretty uninspired when it comes to their boss fights.
Really, I could very well be biased right now because of how much more immersive it feels to play 3D Mario in actual 3D. It really makes me want to see more stereoscopic 3D Mario games in the future, whether it be on handhelds or consoles. Platformers like these really gain something from that extra depth, especially when it comes to conveying the sensation of jumping or falling long distances.
So all of that out of the way, I have to say that I'm really impressed with 3D Land thus far. I'm only in World 5 at the moment, but playing this game using the New 3DS's head-tracking 3D has been a real treat. While the levels are smaller in scope than those in 3D World, I think that actually works to this game's advantage when directly comparing the two. Since it was only designed for one player, the obstacles courses put in front of Mario hit closer to that sweet spot of 2D Mario tightness and Mario Galaxy-esque spectacle. While 3D World is certainly more visually impressive on the Wii U hardware, there's something about the presentation of 3D Land that reminds me more of Galaxy for some reason. I can't put my finger on it. I will say, though, that both games are pretty uninspired when it comes to their boss fights.
Really, I could very well be biased right now because of how much more immersive it feels to play 3D Mario in actual 3D. It really makes me want to see more stereoscopic 3D Mario games in the future, whether it be on handhelds or consoles. Platformers like these really gain something from that extra depth, especially when it comes to conveying the sensation of jumping or falling long distances.